Media Releases

Media Releases

Media Releases

Melbourne to host largest ever Chemical Congress in Australia

April 20, 2016

Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the 17th Asian Chemical Congress (17ACC), and will be part of the Royal Australian Chemical Institutes (RACI) 2017 Centenary Congress, which will be the largest chemical congress ever held in Australia, in celebration of RACI's centenary.

RACI has partnered with seven prestigious chemistry conferences, now including the 17ACC, to present what will be the most premium congress of partner conferences running concurrently, and covering the breadth of chemical science, to celebrate RACI's 100 years of existence.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said this will be one of the most significant congresses in the world for chemistry.

"Events of this calibre put Melbourne and Victoria on a world stage, and contribute significantly to our economy. Business events are the highest yielding sector of the Victorian visitor economy, delivering an economic contribution of $9.98 billion and 65,000 jobs annually," Mr Eren said.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) secured the 17ACC, which will be the largest conference within the umbrella congress, and is anticipated to attract 1,200 delegates over 3 days and deliver $6.2 million in economic impact for the State.

"Securing this meeting is a major coup for Melbourne and Victoria and provides great recognition of our expert chemistry sector," said MCB Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger.

"Melbourne's thriving chemistry community makes it the ideal city to advance the science and practice of chemistry."

Melbourne's winning bid was a testament to the successful collaboration between the Bureau, government and industry partners.

"Our ‘Team Melbourne' approach to both bids and business events themselves means we can deliver events that exceed expectations and leave a lasting legacy on the local and global community.

"17ACC will boost public interest in chemistry and has the potential to unify chemists to drive new policy outcomes," Ms Bolinger said.

Immediate Past President of the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies, Prof. Dr. Supawan Tantayanon, said she and her colleagues were looking forward to holding the 17ACC in Melbourne.

"With RACI being headquartered in Melbourne the chemistry network is extensive. We are confident that by choosing Melbourne, the 17ACC will attract the world's top research chemists as well as provide opportunities for emerging young chemists from all over the world.

"MCB in collaboration with RACI and industry submitted a bid that answered our objectives, and demonstrated its track record in staging major conferences in this sector," Prof. Dr. Supawan Tantayanon said.

Professor Mark Buntine, Centenary Congress Chair said the 17ACC will be one of the hallmark meetings of the congress.

"The RACI 2017 Centenary Congress will be the biggest chemical congress ever held in Australia and the 17ACC will play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of local and international chemists to progress and display their work," Mr Buntine said.

The RACI 2017 Centenary Congress will attract 3,500 delegates over five days, and bring $22 million in economic contribtion to Victoria. The Festial will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in July 2017.